Tonight we’re gonna party like its 1989. Why? Because nothing is better than reliving senior prom – except reliving it in the ’80s. RadioStar, 901 W. Weed St., is converted into Wanaget High’s Class of 1989 Senior Prom every weekend, complete with posters and albums of ’80s icons.
This 90-minute improv mock dance party, called “The Awesome ’80s Prom,” involves a cast of “seniors” – each dressed as a stereotypical ’80s movie persona – who intermingle with ticket-wielding guests throughout the evening. Among them are The Spaz, who wears headgear and glasses, and the Asian Exchange Student, who speaks broken English while chasing the buxom Swedish Exchange Student.
Four boys and three girls – plus the Boy George-esque Dickie, who ends up winning prom queen despite being male – fight for the title of prom royalty American Idol style, by schmoozing with the audience for their votes. “Vote for me – I’ll make all your dreams come true,” croons the Republican Class President, who sways the crowd using Reagan quotes and seduction.
The audience is encouraged to dress up in full ’80s gear – leg warmers and Members Only jackets included – making it difficult to distinguish the cast members from the assembled crowd as everyone dances and plays along. The crowd and cast also mingle with “Michael Jackson” on the dance floor and have a bra-stuffing contest in the women’s restroom with the cheerleaders.
Attendees range from fans like Hannah Zeman, 17, from Birmingham, Mich. – who has not yet had a real senior prom – to those who probably had their prom long before 1989. This is John Simmons’ first prom experience. “I never went to mine. I think this is probably better than it would have been, though,” says Simmons, 28, of Villa Park, Ill. “I love the music.”
Wristbands are given out for access to the bar, but everyone is a high school senior for the night. The only exception is the Freshman, who snuck in to “see the senior boys and leave in Blake’s (the captain of the football team) Camaro.”
“The Awesome ’80s Prom” takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. every weekend through Dec. 31. Tickets cost from $39 to $69 and can be purchased by calling (312) 664-7766.
– Deena Bustillo
